poetry anthology flashcards

🖼️ My Last Duchess – Robert Browning
🔹 “Too soon made glad, too easily impressed”

Judgemental tone: Criticises the Duchess for her joy and politeness, exposing the Duke’s deep insecurity.
Sibilance: “soon”, “impressed” – adds a sneering, contemptuous sound.
Misogyny and control: He disapproves of her kindness to others, showing how controlling he is.
Context: Victorian values—women were expected to be obedient and modest. Based loosely on the Duke of Ferrara.

🔹 “I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together”

Euphemism for murder: Cold and calculated, showing psychopathic control.
Juxtaposition: “Commands” (authority) vs. “smiles” (joy) – her happiness threatened his dominance.
Irony: He wants control over her, but must kill her to achieve it.
Context: Explores male power and toxic aristocratic pride.

🕊️ Poppies – Jane Weir
🔹 “All my words flattened, rolled, turned into felt”

Textile metaphor: Suggests her voice and emotions are physically stifled.
Triple verbs: Overwhelming grief and emotional suppression.
Felt: Soft and muffling – hints at the mother’s inability to express sorrow fully.
Context: Modern poem reflecting the emotional toll of war on families left behind.

🔹 “Released a song bird from its cage”

Metaphor: The son is the bird – leaving home (possibly dying).
Symbolism: “Cage” = maternal protection; “released” = forced letting go.
Peace vs. Pain: Songbird suggests peace, but also echoes tragic finality.
Context: Response to wars like Iraq/Afghanistan; explores maternal grief and silent suffering.